Patents by Inventor Nao Yokota
Nao Yokota has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 9637605Abstract: A biaxially oriented laminate film including a core layer including a blend of crystalline polylactic acid polymer and a metal salt phosphorus-containing compound nucleating agent which is biaxially oriented at low transverse direction orientation temperatures to impart a degree of cavitation around the metal salt phosphorus-containing metal such that a white opaque cavitated appearance and a lower film density and improved mechanical properties are obtained. The laminate film could further have additional layers such as a heat sealable layer disposed on one side of said core layer including an amorphous polylactic acid resin and/or a polylactic acid resin-containing layer disposed on the side of the core layer opposite the heat sealable layer, a metal layer, or combinations thereof.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2012Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Assignee: TORAY PLASTICS (AMERICA), INC.Inventors: Nao Yokota, Mark S. Lee, Claudio M. Paulino
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Patent number: 9492962Abstract: Described are metallized biaxially oriented polylactic acid (BOPLA) films with a novel formulation that exhibits a softer feel and quieter sound, without jeopardizing film making stability. It has been found that when these films are metallized, moisture barrier properties are surprisingly improved compared to conventional metallized BOPLA films. Specifically, the moisture barrier of the films may be 2.0 g/m2/day or less at 38° C. and 90% relative humidity. The films can be used, for example, in packaging applications. The films have characteristics that are beneficial to converting processes, are economical, and maintain bio-compostability similar to typical BOPLA films.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2011Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: TORAY PLASTICS (AMERICA), INC.Inventors: Shichen Dou, Mark S. Lee, Claudio M. Paulino, Nao Yokota, Keunsuk P. Chang
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Patent number: 9238324Abstract: Described are biaxially oriented polylactic acid (BOPLA) films with a novel formulation that exhibits a softer feel and quieter sound, without jeopardizing film making stability. The films can be used, for example, in packaging applications. The films can be metallized, or combined with barrier coatings or layers, for improved gas barrier properties particularly for moisture vapor transmission barrier desired in packaging applications. The films can also be printing films for packaging applications and may be transparent or matte in appearance. The films have characteristics that are beneficial to converting processes, are economical, and maintain bio-compostability similar to typical BOPLA films.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2010Date of Patent: January 19, 2016Assignee: TORAY PLASTICS (AMERCIA), INC.Inventors: Shichen Dou, Mark S. Lee, Claudio M. Paulino, Nao Yokota, Keunsuk P. Chang
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Patent number: 9186593Abstract: Described are stretchable and formable lighter than air balloons including a high barrier lamination. The stretchable and formable balloons stretch when overinflated instead of failing. The balloons are formed from a lamination including a polyester film with a total thickness of 4 ?m to 12 ?m including a biaxially oriented polyester core layer and at least one amorphous copolyester skin layer. The polyester film has an Elongation % in the transverse direction (TD) or machine direction (MD) of greater than 125%.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2012Date of Patent: November 17, 2015Assignees: Toray Plastics (America), Inc., Anagram International, Inc.Inventors: Gianfranco Chicarella, Nao Yokota, Tracy A. Paolilli, John J. Fitch, Todd Richard Sarnstrom, Dean Borchardt, Paul Andrew Ansolabehere, Steven Sargeant, Larissa M. Boutin, Robert T. Ervolino, Douglas J. Bower, Delaware Hood
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Patent number: 8658285Abstract: Biaxially oriented polyester films including polyester polymer, a carbodiimide hydrolysis stabilizer, and a UV absorber are described. The polyester films have a carboxyl end group concentration of 5-20 equivalents per ton, and a haze value of 2% or less. The films exhibit superior transparency and possess stable light transmission characteristics. Methods of making the films and articles produced from the films are also described.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2011Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Toray Plastics (America), Inc.Inventors: Carlos Hinton, Nao Yokota, Hirokazu Tajima, Roberto Siu
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Patent number: 8652626Abstract: Metallized multi-layer biaxially oriented polylactic acid base polymer (BOPLA) films that exhibits improved barrier properties and metal adhesion. The films include a core layer including crystalline polylactic acid base polymer, a first skin layer consisting essentially of amorphous polylactic acid base polymer, and a metal layer on the first skin layer. The films may include a second skin layer consisting essentially of amorphous polylactic acid base polymer.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2010Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignees: Toray Plastics (America), Inc., Toray Industries, Inc.Inventors: Mark S. Lee, Claudio M. Paulino, Takeshi Mizumura, Keunsuk P. Chang, Nao Yokota, Jun'ichi Masuda
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Publication number: 20140017489Abstract: The present invention is directed to a multilayer film having, as its main component, a hydroxy acid polymer with improved gas barrier and optional heat sealability. The oriented film of predominately hydroxy acid polymer having controlled shrink can be produced by melting and coextruding a hydroxy acid polymer with a much thinner layer of an amorphous aromatic copolyester to form a multilayer film that is quench cooled, then biaxially stretched at a process temperature above the glass transition and below the cold crystallization temperature of the hydroxy acid polymer. A heat-setting treatment with a controlled relaxation of the film above the hydroxy acid polymer glass transition temperature and below its melt temperature may be used to control shrinkage. The films thus obtained are vacuum metallized on the aromatic copolyester surface to produce environmentally friendly packaging from predominately renewable resources having improved gas barrier properties.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2013Publication date: January 16, 2014Applicant: TORAY PLASTICS (AMERICA) INC.Inventors: Mark Lee, Keunsuk P. Chang, Nao Yokota
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Publication number: 20130295218Abstract: Described are methods for producing biaxially oriented thermoplastic crystallizable films, such as polyester terephthalate (PET) films, that are easy to handle, have at least one surface that can produce high quality finishes in In-Mold Decoration processes (IMD), and have anti-static properties. The static dissipation properties of the film facilitate the manufacture of IMD parts by reducing buildup of debris in the mold and reducing the risk of fire during processing.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2012Publication date: November 7, 2013Applicant: TORAY PLASTICS (AMERICA), INC.Inventors: Carlos E. HINTON, Nao Yokota, Jan Moritz
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Patent number: 8574695Abstract: The present invention is directed to a multilayer film having, as its main component, a hydroxy acid polymer with improved gas barrier and optional heat sealability. The oriented film of predominately hydroxy acid polymer having controlled shrink can be produced by melting and coextruding a hydroxy acid polymer with a much thinner layer of an amorphous aromatic copolyester to form a multilayer film that is quench cooled, then biaxially stretched at a process temperature above the glass transition and below the cold crystallization temperature of the hydroxy acid polymer. A heat-setting treatment with a controlled relaxation of the film above the hydroxy acid polymer glass transition temperature and below its melt temperature may be used to control shrinkage. The films thus obtained are vacuum metallized on the aromatic copolyester surface to produce environmentally friendly packaging from predominately renewable resources having improved gas barrier properties.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2010Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Toray Plastics (America), Inc.Inventors: Mark Lee, Nao Yokota, Keunsuk P. Chang
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Publication number: 20130122280Abstract: A biaxially oriented laminate film including a core layer including a blend of crystalline polylactic acid polymer and a metal salt phosphorus-containing compound nucleating agent which is biaxially oriented at low transverse direction orientation temperatures to impart a degree of cavitation around the metal salt phosphorus-containing metal such that a white opaque cavitated appearance and a lower film density and improved mechanical properties are obtained. The laminate film could further have additional layers such as a heat sealable layer disposed on one side of said core layer including an amorphous polylactic acid resin and/or a polylactic acid resin-containing layer disposed on the side of the core layer opposite the heat sealable layer, a metal layer, or combinations thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2012Publication date: May 16, 2013Inventors: Nao YOKOTA, Mark S. LEE, Claudio M. PAULINO
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Patent number: 8399080Abstract: A long life balloon formed from a lamination. The lamination includes a polyester film with a total thickness of 4 ?m to 12 ?m. The polyester film includes a biaxially oriented polyester core layer and at least one amorphous copolyester skin layer. The lamination also includes a sealant layer and a gas barrier layer on an opposite side of the polyester film from the sealant layer. The oxygen transmission rate of the balloon is less than 0.1 cc/100 sqin/day, a bonding strength of the gas barrier layer to the surface of the polyester film is more than 300 g/in at dry conditions, a sealing strength of the balloon is more than 3.5 kg/in, and a floating time of the balloon is more than 20 days.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2008Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignees: Toray Plastics (America), Inc., Anagram International, Inc.Inventors: Gianfranco Chicarella, Nao Yokota, Tracy A. Paolilli, John J. Fitch, Todd R. Sarnstrom, Dean Borchardt, Paul A. Ansolabehere, Steven Sargeant
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Patent number: 8323759Abstract: A long life balloon formed from a lamination. The lamination includes a polyester film with a total thickness of 4 ?m to 12 ?m. The polyester film includes a biaxially oriented polyester core layer and at least one amorphous copolyester skin layer. The lamination also includes a sealant layer and a gas barrier layer on an opposite side of the polyester film from the sealant layer. The oxygen transmission rate of the balloon is less than 0.1 cc/100 sqin/day, a bonding strength of the gas barrier layer to the surface of the polyester film is more than 300 g/in at dry conditions, a sealing strength of the balloon is more than 3.5 kg/in, and a floating time of the balloon is more than 20 days.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2011Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: Toray Plastics (America), Inc.Inventors: Gianfranco Chicarella, Nao Yokota, Tracy A. Paolilli, John J. Fitch, Todd Richard Sarnstrom, Dean Borchardt, Paul Andrew Ansolabehere, Steven Sargeant
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Patent number: 8236399Abstract: A long life balloon formed from a lamination. The lamination includes a polyester film with a total thickness of 4 ?m to 12 ?m. The polyester film includes a biaxially oriented polyester core layer and at least one amorphous copolyester skin layer. The lamination also includes a sealant layer and a gas barrier layer on an opposite side of the polyester film from the sealant layer. The oxygen transmission rate of the balloon is less than 0.1 cc/100 sqin/day, a bonding strength of the gas barrier layer to the surface of the polyester film is more than 300 g/in at dry conditions, a sealing strength of the balloon is more than 3.5 kg/in, and a floating time of the balloon is more than 20 days.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2011Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignees: Toray Plastics (America), Inc., Anagram International, Inc.Inventors: Gianfranco Chicarella, Nao Yokota, Tracy A. Paolilli, John J. Fitch, Todd Richard Sarnstrom, Dean Borchardt, Paul Andrew Ansolabehere, Steven Sargeant
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Publication number: 20120141766Abstract: Disclosed are biaxially oriented laminate films including a core layer including a blend of crystalline polylactic acid polymer and crystalline polystyrene. The films are biaxially oriented at low transverse direction orientation temperatures to impart a degree of cavitation around the crystalline polystyrene such that a white opaque cavitated appearance and lower film densities are obtained. The laminate films may further have additional layers such as a heat sealable layer disposed on one side of the core layer including an amorphous polylactic acid resin and/or a polylactic acid resin-containing layer disposed on the side of the core layer opposite the heat sealable layer, a metal layer, or combinations thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2011Publication date: June 7, 2012Applicant: TORAY PLASTICS (AMERICA), INC.Inventors: Claudio M. Paulino, Nao Yokota
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Publication number: 20120094042Abstract: A monoaxially oriented films and methods of making films including a heat sealable layer including propylene homo-polymer or copolymer and 3-15 wt % of at least one elastomer. The oriented films have a refractive index that satisfies the condition 5?delta n=|n (MD)?n (TD)|×1000?25, in which n (MD) is a refractive index of the film in a machine direction, and n (TD) is a refractive index of the film in a transverse direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2011Publication date: April 19, 2012Applicant: TORAY PLASTICS (AMERICA), INC.Inventors: Mark S. LEE, Harold Egon KOEHN, Nao YOKOTA, Emilio COLETTA, Matthew H. BROWN
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Publication number: 20110305913Abstract: Biaxially oriented polyester films including polyester polymer, a carbodiimide hydrolysis stabilizer, and a UV absorber are described. The polyester films have a carboxyl end group concentration of 5-20 equivalents per ton, and a haze value of 2% or less. The films exhibit superior transparency and possess stable light transmission characteristics. Methods of making the films and articles produced from the films are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2011Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: Toray Plastics (America), Inc. Lumirror DivisionInventors: Carlos HINTON, Nao Yokota, Hirokazu Tajima, Roberto Siu
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Publication number: 20110287199Abstract: A long life balloon formed from a lamination. The lamination includes a polyester film with a total thickness of 4 ?m to 12 ?m. The polyester film includes a biaxially oriented polyester core layer and at least one amorphous copolyester skin layer. The lamination also includes a sealant layer and a gas barrier layer on an opposite side of the polyester film from the sealant layer. The oxygen transmission rate of the balloon is less than 0.1 cc/100 sqin/day, a bonding strength of the gas barrier layer to the surface of the polyester film is more than 300 g/in at dry conditions, a sealing strength of the balloon is more than 3.5 kg/in, and a floating time of the balloon is more than 20 days.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2011Publication date: November 24, 2011Applicants: Anagram International, Inc., TORAY PLASTICS (AMERICA), INC.Inventors: Gianfranco CHICARELLA, Nao YOKOTA, Tracy A. PAOLILLI, John J. FITCH, Todd R. SARNSTROM, Dean BORCHARDT, Paul A. ANSOLABEHERE, Steven SARGEANT
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Publication number: 20110287200Abstract: A long life balloon formed from a lamination. The lamination includes a polyester film with a total thickness of 4 ?m to 12 ?m. The polyester film includes a biaxially oriented polyester core layer and at least one amorphous copolyester skin layer. The lamination also includes a sealant layer and a gas barrier layer on an opposite side of the polyester film from the sealant layer. The oxygen transmission rate of the balloon is less than 0.1 cc/100 sqin/day, a bonding strength of the gas barrier layer to the surface of the polyester film is more than 300 g/in at dry conditions, a sealing strength of the balloon is more than 3.5 kg/in, and a floating time of the balloon is more than 20 days.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2011Publication date: November 24, 2011Applicants: Anagram International, Inc., TORAY PLASTICS (AMERICA), INC.Inventors: Gianfranco CHICARELLA, Nao YOKOTA, Tracy A. PAOLILLI, John J. FITCH, Todd R. SARNSTROM, Dean BORCHARDT, Paul A. ANSOLABEHERE, Steven SARGEANT
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Publication number: 20110244185Abstract: Described are biaxially oriented polylactic acid (BOPLA) films with a novel formulation that exhibits a softer feel and quieter sound, without jeopardizing film making stability. The films can be used, for example, in packaging applications. The films can be metallized, or combined with barrier coatings or layers, for improved gas barrier properties particularly for moisture vapor transmission barrier desired in packaging applications. The films can also be printing films for packaging applications and may be transparent or matte in appearance. The films have characteristics that are beneficial to converting processes, are economical, and maintain bio-compostability similar to typical BOPLA films.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2010Publication date: October 6, 2011Applicant: TORAY PLASTICS (AMERICA), INC.Inventors: Shichen DOU, Mark S. Lee, Claudio M. Paulino, Nao Yokota, Keunsuk P. Chang
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Publication number: 20110244186Abstract: Described are metallized biaxially oriented polylactic acid (BOPLA) films with a novel formulation that exhibits a softer feel and quieter sound, without jeopardizing film making stability. It has been found that when these films are metallized, moisture barrier properties are surprisingly improved compared to conventional metallized BOPLA films. Specifically, the moisture barrier of the films may be 2.0 g/m2/day or less at 38° C. and 90% relative humidity. The films can be used, for example, in packaging applications. The films have characteristics that are beneficial to converting processes, are economical, and maintain bio-compostability similar to typical BOPLA films.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2011Publication date: October 6, 2011Applicant: TORAY PLASTICS (AMERICA), INC.Inventors: Shichen Dou, Mark S. Lee, Claudio M. Paulino, Nao Yokota, Keunsuk P. Chang